13/04/2011

Published by The Bishopthorpe Palace

Writing in the Sun newspaper today, the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, revealed that he will be holding a celebration for St George on 2nd May outside York Minster.

As 23rd April falls on Holy Saturday this year, St George's day moves to May Day in the Church calendar. Dr Sentamu called for a national day of celebration and encouraged people to come and join him in singing patriotic songs as the Minster's carillon bells ring out tunes such as "Rule Britannia" and "Land of Hope and Glory".

In his article in the Sun, the Archbishop said:

"The Government wants to scrap our May Bank Holiday in England so that we can have a day off to celebrate St George's Day on April 23.

"As someone who loves St George, I have long campaigned for us to have a special holiday where we can celebrate our patron saint and all that is great about our wonderful nation.

"There is so much to love about England.

"Why can't we put aside one day a year where we can wave our English flag of St George, sing songs about our proud history and maybe even drink a pint of English real ale with our friends.

"One interesting fact you may not know about St George's Day is that in the Church calendar this year it actually takes place on May 2.

"The reason for this change is that this year April 23 is Holy Saturday, an important date in the Christian calendar, during Holy Week.

"Holy Saturday is when our Lord lay in the tomb the day before His resurrection. This is a time of reflection and contemplation for Christians and is a long-standing tradition.

"Maybe you will know friends who are giving up chocolate or something similar during Lent, between the Shrove Tuesday pancakes and the Easter Sunday eggs?

"Well, it's the same principle. Many churches will not be able to fly flags or ring their bells or take part in any of the national festivities honouring St George this year in April.

"I think it is important that the Church pays St George his full dues with the sort of celebration not possible during Holy Week. That is why I have written to Government ministers calling on them to hold official celebrations on May 2 and to fly the St George's Cross from all government buildings too.

"Very few people seem aware that this year, thanks to the Church, we are allowed a rare DOUBLE celebration.

"So why not join me this year by putting up your St George's Cross once again on May 2.

"This is the first time in well over 100 years that St George's Day has been on the Saturday before Easter and it is unlikely it will happen again for another 100 years.

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for one big national party on May Day for St George!

"Why not come to York on May 2 at midday and join me while the Minster's carillon bells ring out, join me in singing songs such as Rule Britannia and Land Of Hope And Glory.

"The answer for the Government is not to choose one date over the other - but instead they should ensure that from now on we have a national holiday for BOTH days.

"Let us wave our flags, sing our songs and thank God for St George. Long live the Queen!"

ENDS